SD Governor Signs Law Establishing Vote Centers

February 24, 2012, 5:31 AM

PIERRE, SD -
South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard has signed a bill that establishes vote centers as the go-to locations for casting ballots in the state.

Vote centers keep a digital database of registered voters, called electronic poll books. Upon arrival, voters present their drivers' licenses and receive a paper ballot. People would no longer be limited to the specific polling places near their homes.

Supporters of the bill say it will facilitate voting throughout the day because people could go to a nearby voting center, regardless of where they live. Such centers use fewer poll workers and allow jurisdictions to save on rent by running fewer centers.

The measure takes effect immediately, so Sioux Falls can use voting centers in an April school district election.